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The Nakajima B5N1 first flew in January 1937. It was quite unique for a carrier-aircraft with its low mono wing that folded for storage and wide-track inward folding retractable landing gear. The new Kates were far superior to its competition, the TBD Devastator and the Fairey Swordfish however it did have its shortcomings. It was very poorly armed for self defense and required A5M escort protection. Also the crew and fuel tanks had no protection. The B5N1 was replaced by the improved B5N2.

Originally the name for the Zuihō was the Takasaki. The Takasaki was being built as a submarine tender but the IJN decided to complete the ship as an aircraft carrier. In December 1940 the Zuihō (Lucky Phoenix) was commissioned. The ship helped to cover the invasion of the East Indies, took part in the Battle of Santa Cruz, was at Guadalcanal ferrying aircraft to Truk in late 1942 and early 1943. It took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 and the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. During one of the four major encounters of the Battle of Leyte Gulf; the Battle of Cape Engano the Zuihō was one of the IJN ships acting as decoys. On October 25, 1944 the Zuihō and others were sunk.